Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Dark, Desperate, Intense, Psychological
- Read it if
- You are interested in a dark, psychological exploration of teenage desperation, revenge, and the consequences of societal neglect, particularly fans of 'Gossip Girl' meets 'Thirteen'.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted stories, are sensitive to themes of bullying and sexual assault, or dislike ambiguous moral endings.
Leftovers Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Aftermath: Blair and Ardith's Arrest
The novel opens with Blair and Ardith, two teenage girls, arrested and interrogated by Detective Miller for a serious crime involving the assault of three boys. The narrative immediately shows the girls' guilt and defiance, especially Blair, who is the primary narrator. As they go through the juvenile justice system, the story moves between the present-day legal proceedings and the events leading up to their crime. The girls are held in separate facilities, increasing their isolation and the reader's curiosity about their transgression and motivations. This initial scene sets a somber and tense tone, showing the irreversible consequences of their actions and the circumstances that led them there.
Blair's Troubled Home Life and Isolation
Blair's backstory details her emotionally neglectful mother, Elaine, who cares more about her own social life and appearances than Blair's well-being. Elaine often leaves Blair alone for long periods, giving little emotional support or guidance. Blair describes feeling invisible and unwanted at home, leading to deep loneliness. At school, she is an outcast, often mocked and ignored by her peers. Her only comfort comes from her secret friendship with Ardith, a bond formed from their shared experiences of being marginalized. This isolation at home and school creates a strong reliance on each other and their eventual desperate measures.
Ardith's Overprotective Father and Strict Upbringing
Ardith's background is a contrast to Blair's, yet equally damaging. She lives with her strict and overprotective father, who monitors her every move and forbids her from having friends or dating. Mr. Jenkins, a religious zealot, views Ardith as his property and tries to control every part of her life, often using guilt and fear. Ardith wants freedom and affection, which she finds only in her secret meetings with Blair. Her father's oppressive control, along with his emotional abuse, fuels Ardith's rebellious streak and her desperate need for connection and validation outside her home, making her vulnerable to destructive influences and loyalties.
The Formation of a Dangerous Friendship
Blair and Ardith's friendship grows in secret, becoming the most important part of their lives. They bond over being 'leftovers'—girls discarded or ignored by society. They spend time exploring abandoned places, sharing dreams of escape, and fantasizing about a life where they are loved and respected. Their friendship is intense and all-consuming, as they have no one else. This deep connection, while comforting, also creates an insular worldview where their loyalty to each other is most important, setting the stage for their eventual revenge against a world they see as hostile.
The Bullying and Harassment Begins
The girls' lives turn darker when they become targets of bullying and sexual harassment from a group of popular boys, led by Troy. The boys frequently taunt them at school, spread rumors, and make crude remarks, escalating to more aggressive and physically intimidating acts. School authorities and even some adults dismiss or ignore this harassment, leaving Blair and Ardith helpless. The boys' actions are a systematic campaign of psychological and emotional abuse, further solidifying the girls' belief that society is against them and they must rely only on each other for protection.
The Escalation: A Traumatic Incident
The bullying ends with a traumatic incident where Troy and his friends corner and assault Ardith, though the full extent is unclear. Blair witnesses part of it or hears Ardith's distress, increasing her rage and sense of injustice. This event destroys any remaining sense of safety or hope for the girls. They feel violated and betrayed by a system that failed to protect them. The incident makes them decide to seek revenge, turning their anger and helplessness into a desire for justice on their own terms, believing no one else will deliver it.
Planning the Retribution
After the traumatic incident, Blair and Ardith decide to act. They meticulously plan their retribution against Troy and his friends, wanting to make them feel the same fear and pain they experienced. Their planning is detailed, showing their desperation and commitment to each other and their goal. They discuss scenarios, gathering information and resources, viewing their actions not as criminal but as necessary self-preservation and justice. This phase of the narrative shows their descent into a dangerous mindset, where their moral compass is guided solely by their loyalty and thirst for vengeance.
The Act of Revenge
Blair and Ardith execute their plan, luring Troy and his friends to a secluded location. The confrontation is violent. The girls, armed, overpower the boys, causing severe injuries. The narrative describes the girls' actions with chilling detachment, conveying their resolve and the intensity of their suppressed rage. While the specifics of the injuries are not overly graphic, the reader understands the severity of the assault. This scene is the climax of the girls' journey, marking the irreversible crossing of a line and the moment their lives, and the lives of their victims, are changed.
Interrogation and Unrepentance
Back in the present, Blair and Ardith are interrogated separately. Detective Miller tries to get confessions and remorse, but the girls remain defiant, especially Blair. Their individual interviews reveal the full scope of their suffering and the perceived injustices they endured. They explain their motivations, describing the relentless bullying, adult indifference, and the traumatic incident that pushed them. While they acknowledge their actions, they frame them as a necessary response to a world that failed to protect them, suggesting a lack of true regret for the act itself, only for the consequences.
The Verdict and Lingering Questions
The novel concludes with Blair and Ardith awaiting their fate in the juvenile justice system. The specific legal outcome is implied rather than stated, but they will face severe consequences. The ending leaves the reader with questions about justice, society's failures to protect vulnerable youth, and the cycle of violence. It shows the tragic reality that while the girls sought to reclaim their power, their actions led to incarceration and further isolation, continuing the 'leftover' status they fought against. The narrative shows the devastating impact of neglect and abuse on young lives.
Leftovers Characters
Blair
Protagonist
The primary narrator, a neglected and isolated teenager seeking justice.
Blair is the central protagonist and the narrator of 'Leftovers.' She is an intelligent, observant, but deeply neglected teenager whose mother, Elaine, is largely absent and emotionally unavailable. Blair feels invisible and unloved, which fuels her intense loyalty to Ardith, her only friend. She is fiercely protective and harbors a deep-seated anger at the injustices they face, particularly the bullying and sexual harassment from the boys. Blair is the instigator of their revenge plot, driven by a desire to reclaim agency and inflict the pain they've suffered back onto their tormentors. Her narrative voice is raw, defiant, and unrepentant, reflecting her hardened worldview.
Relationships: Ardith (best friend, accomplice, only trusted confidante); Elaine (neglectful mother); Troy (primary tormentor, victim of her revenge)
Ardith
Protagonist
Blair's best friend, living under a strict, abusive father, seeking freedom and validation.
Ardith is Blair's best friend and co-conspirator. She lives under the oppressive and emotionally abusive control of her religious fanatic father, Mr. Jenkins, who forbids her from having friends or any semblance of a normal teenage life. Ardith is more outwardly vulnerable than Blair but possesses a quiet strength and a deep yearning for freedom and connection. The traumatic incident involving Troy and his friends deeply affects her, solidifying her resolve to participate in the revenge plot. Her desperation for love and acceptance makes her intensely loyal to Blair, and together they form an unbreakable, albeit destructive, bond.
Relationships: Blair (best friend, accomplice, only trusted confidante); Mr. Jenkins (overprotective and emotionally abusive father); Troy (primary tormentor, victim of her revenge)
Troy
Antagonist
The leader of the group of boys who bully and harass Blair and Ardith.
Troy is the primary antagonist, the leader of the group of boys who relentlessly bully and sexually harass Blair and Ardith. He represents the casual cruelty and unchecked power dynamics that the girls feel oppressed by. Troy is popular, charismatic, and seemingly untouchable, using his social status to torment the 'leftovers' with impunity. His actions, particularly the traumatic incident involving Ardith, are the direct catalyst for Blair and Ardith's violent revenge. He embodies the societal indifference and male privilege that the novel critiques.
Relationships: Blair (tormentor of, then victim of); Ardith (tormentor of, then victim of)
Elaine
Supporting
Blair's emotionally neglectful and self-absorbed mother.
Elaine is Blair's mother, characterized by her extreme emotional neglect and self-absorption. She is more concerned with her own social life, appearance, and maintaining a facade of normalcy than with her daughter's well-being. Elaine frequently leaves Blair alone, offers no emotional support, and dismisses Blair's struggles. Her absence and indifference contribute significantly to Blair's feelings of isolation and abandonment, directly influencing Blair's desperate need for connection and her eventual path to violence. She represents the failure of adult figures to protect and nurture vulnerable youth.
Relationships: Blair (neglectful mother-daughter relationship)
Mr. Jenkins
Supporting
Ardith's overprotective and religiously zealous father.
Mr. Jenkins is Ardith's father, an intensely overprotective and religiously zealous man. He exercises extreme control over Ardith's life, forbidding her from having friends, dating, or experiencing any normal teenage activities. His control is rooted in a distorted sense of religious piety and possessiveness, bordering on emotional abuse. He views Ardith as his property and tries to dictate her every move, contributing to her deep sense of entrapment and her yearning for freedom. His oppressive parenting style is a key factor in Ardith's vulnerability and her desperate attachment to Blair.
Relationships: Ardith (overprotective, emotionally abusive father-daughter relationship)
Detective Miller
Supporting
The detective investigating the assault, trying to understand the girls' motives.
Detective Miller is the law enforcement officer responsible for investigating the assault committed by Blair and Ardith. He appears primarily in the present-day interrogation scenes, attempting to piece together the events and understand the girls' motivations. While he represents the authority figure, he is also depicted as someone trying to understand the complex circumstances that led to the crime, rather than simply condemn. His interactions with Blair provide a framework for the reader to learn the backstory and challenge the girls' unrepentant stance, albeit without fully judging them.
Relationships: Blair (interrogator-interrogatee); Ardith (interrogator-interrogatee)
The Other Boys
Mentioned
Troy's friends who participate in the bullying and are victims of the revenge.
This collective refers to the unnamed or minimally named friends of Troy who participate in the bullying and harassment of Blair and Ardith. They act as Troy's enablers and accomplices, contributing to the girls' feelings of being outnumbered and powerless. They are present during the traumatic incident and are also victims of Blair and Ardith's retaliatory attack. Their presence reinforces the idea of a systemic problem of unchecked male aggression and peer pressure.
Relationships: Troy (friends/accomplices); Blair (tormentors of, then victims of); Ardith (tormentors of, then victims of)
School Authorities/Teachers
Mentioned
Adult figures who largely ignore or dismiss the bullying and harassment.
These are the unnamed or vaguely referenced teachers, principals, and counselors at Blair and Ardith's school. They represent the institutional failure to protect the girls from the bullying and harassment they endure. The girls' attempts to seek help are often met with indifference, disbelief, or ineffective solutions, contributing to their feeling of being 'leftovers' and their belief that they must take matters into their own hands. Their inaction is a significant contributing factor to the girls' desperation and their eventual violent act.
Relationships: Blair (indifferent authority figures); Ardith (indifferent authority figures)
Leftovers Themes
Neglect and Abandonment
Neglect and abandonment is central, appearing in the girls' home lives and societal interactions. Blair is emotionally neglected by her self-absorbed mother, Elaine, who puts her social life before her daughter, making Blair feel invisible. Ardith suffers under the oppressive, emotionally abusive control of her father, Mr. Jenkins, who isolates her. Both girls are also abandoned by school authorities and other adults who dismiss or ignore their pleas for help against bullying. This widespread neglect creates their intense codependency and their belief that they are 'leftovers,' driving them to extreme measures for validation and protection.
“We were the leftovers. The ones no one wanted to pick. The ones who got pushed to the back of the shelf until they expired.”
Justice and Revenge
The novel explores the blurred lines between justice and revenge. After relentless bullying and a traumatic assault, Blair and Ardith feel utterly failed by the justice system and adults who should have protected them. Their violent act against Troy and his friends is their attempt to get justice, to make their tormentors feel the pain they inflicted. The narrative makes the reader consider if their actions, though brutal, are understandable given their circumstances. It questions what happens when individuals are pushed to the brink and take matters into their own hands, and if true justice can ever be achieved this way.
“They took so much from us. We just took a little back.”
The Power of Friendship (and its Dark Side)
Blair and Ardith's friendship is the most powerful force in the novel, both their salvation and their downfall. In a world where they are neglected and ostracized, their bond is their only source of comfort, understanding, and strength. They are loyal to each other, and their shared experiences create an unbreakable connection. However, the intensity and exclusivity of their friendship also lead to an insular worldview, where their loyalty to each other overrides all other moral considerations. This bond, born of desperation, fuels their joint descent into violence and their willingness to commit an act in the name of protecting each other.
“We were two halves of the same broken thing, and together, we were whole. And dangerous.”
Societal Indifference and Bullying
The novel critiques societal indifference towards vulnerable youth and the widespread nature of bullying. Blair and Ardith are subjected to verbal abuse, social ostracization, and physical harassment by their peers, led by Troy. More disturbingly, teachers, parents, and other adults ignore their pleas for help, either dismissing their concerns or failing to intervene. This systemic indifference and the unchecked power of the bullies create an environment where the girls feel helpless and without recourse, ultimately driving them to extreme measures. The book shows how society's failure to address bullying can have devastating consequences.
“No one saw us. No one cared. We were just background noise to them.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Dual Narrative Perspective (Implied)
The story is primarily told from Blair's first-person perspective, with Ardith's voice implicitly present through shared experiences.
While Blair is the explicit first-person narrator, the story is deeply intertwined with Ardith's experiences, often presented as 'we' or through Blair's understanding of Ardith's pain. This creates a dual narrative effect, where the reader experiences the events through a shared lens of trauma and loyalty. This device emphasizes the girls' inseparable bond and their collective experience as 'leftovers,' making their motivations for revenge feel unified and deeply personal to both. It allows for a more complex exploration of their shared plight and their joint descent into violence.
Non-Linear Narrative / Flashbacks
The story alternates between the present-day interrogation and the past events leading to the crime.
The novel employs a non-linear narrative structure, constantly shifting between Blair and Ardith's present-day arrest and interrogation by Detective Miller, and extensive flashbacks detailing their lives, their friendship, the bullying, and the traumatic incident that led to their crime. This device slowly reveals the layers of their story, building suspense and allowing the reader to understand the complex motivations behind their actions before fully grasping the extent of their crime. It effectively maintains tension and provides context for their unrepentant attitudes during the interrogation.
The 'Leftovers' Metaphor
A recurring metaphor representing the girls' discarded and ignored status in society.
The title itself, 'Leftovers,' serves as a central metaphor throughout the novel. It represents Blair and Ardith's self-perception and their actual status in society – girls who are neglected by their families, ignored by school authorities, and ostracized by their peers. This metaphor is explicitly used by Blair to describe their shared identity as unwanted, discarded individuals. It underscores the theme of neglect and abandonment, highlighting how feeling like 'leftovers' leads to their desperate search for belonging, justice, and ultimately, their violent act of reclaiming agency from a world that cast them aside.
Unreliable Narrator (Subtle)
Blair's first-person account is deeply colored by her trauma, anger, and fierce loyalty.
Blair, as the primary narrator, provides a subjective and emotionally charged account of events. While she recounts facts, her perspective is heavily influenced by her deep-seated anger, trauma, and unwavering loyalty to Ardith. This makes her a subtly unreliable narrator, as her narrative prioritizes their shared pain and justification for their actions. The reader is invited to understand, but also to question, the complete objectivity of her story, particularly in how she frames the 'justice' they sought versus the violence they inflicted. This device challenges the reader to critically evaluate the presented events and the girls' motivations.
Leftovers Quotes
“Sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go but learning to hold on to what's left.”
“We're all just leftovers from something that used to be whole.”
“The truth doesn't set you free; it just gives you something else to carry.”
“In the end, it's not the monsters under the bed that scare you, but the ones sitting at the dinner table.”
“You can't unsee what you've seen, but you can decide what to do with the sight.”
“Silence isn't empty; it's full of everything we're afraid to say.”
“Sometimes the only way to survive is to become someone else, even if just for a little while.”
“The world doesn't stop for your pain; it just keeps spinning, leaving you behind.”
“We patch ourselves up with whatever we can find, and sometimes that's enough to keep going.”
“There's a special kind of loneliness that comes from being surrounded by people who don't see you.”
“Hope is a fragile thing, but it's the only thing that keeps the darkness at bay.”
“You don't get over it; you just learn to live with the scars.”
“The strongest bonds are forged in the hottest fires.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you're not okay.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary act that Blair and Ardith commit in the novel?
- They run away from home together
- They commit an unforgivable act in the name of love and justice
- They start a protest against their school
- They expose a teacher's misconduct
Show answer
B. They commit an unforgivable act in the name of love and justice The book's description explicitly states that Blair and Ardith commit an unforgivable act driven by love and justice, which is central to the plot and sets up the story's exploration of their motivations.
Question 2
What is the title of Laura Wiess's debut novel mentioned in the book description?
- Leftovers
- Such a Pretty Girl
- Desperation and Revenge
- Forgotten and Abandoned
Show answer
B. Such a Pretty Girl The description notes that 'Leftovers' is a follow-up to Wiess's debut, 'Such a Pretty Girl,' which is referenced to contextualize the author's previous work.
Question 3
According to the description, what do Blair and Ardith describe as part of their background?
- Parents who are alternately absent and smothering
- A supportive community that encourages them
- Teachers who mentor them closely
- Siblings who protect them from harm
Show answer
A. Parents who are alternately absent and smothering The description lists parents who are 'alternately absent and smothering' as one of the factors that help explain Blair and Ardith's actions, highlighting their troubled family dynamics.
Question 4
How are young men portrayed in the societal context described in the book?
- As victims of the same system as the girls
- As allowed to hurt and dominate without consequence
- As allies who support Blair and Ardith
- As strictly disciplined by authorities
Show answer
B. As allowed to hurt and dominate without consequence The description states that young men are 'allowed to hurt and dominate without consequence,' which contributes to the oppressive environment that drives the protagonists to extreme measures.
Question 5
What is a key reason Blair and Ardith feel abandoned, as suggested by the description?
- They are written off by adults as damaged goods
- They voluntarily isolate themselves from society
- They move to a new town where no one knows them
- They are expelled from school for bad behavior
Show answer
A. They are written off by adults as damaged goods The description mentions that they are 'written off by the adults around her as damaged goods,' indicating societal neglect and labeling that exacerbates their sense of abandonment.
Question 6
What does the description imply about the person Blair trusts?
- She trusts a teacher who understands her
- She trusts the one person she's forbidden to see
- She trusts her parents despite their flaws
- She trusts a online community of strangers
Show answer
B. She trusts the one person she's forbidden to see The description notes that Blair has 'no one to trust except the one person she's forbidden to see,' emphasizing the secrecy and forbidden nature of this relationship, which likely fuels the plot's tension.
Question 7
Which of the following best summarizes the central theme of 'Leftovers' based on the description?
- The joys of teenage friendship and adventure
- Desperation and revenge among forgotten youth
- A romantic coming-of-age story in modern America
- A humorous take on high school life
Show answer
B. Desperation and revenge among forgotten youth The description frames the novel as 'a devastating novel of desperation and revenge' focusing on 'society's Leftovers,' highlighting themes of neglect, justice, and extreme actions by marginalized characters.
Question 8
What role do classmates play in Blair and Ardith's experiences, as per the description?
- They provide emotional support and camaraderie
- They mock and shun anyone different
- They organize fundraisers to help the girls
- They are indifferent and ignore the girls
Show answer
B. They mock and shun anyone different The description specifies that classmates 'mock and shun anyone different,' contributing to the social isolation and bullying that shape the protagonists' harsh reality.
Question 9
Based on the description, what might 'Leftovers' metaphorically refer to in the context of the book?
- Food waste and environmental issues
- Young women considered society's cast-offs
- Remnants of a past relationship
- Leftover homework from school
Show answer
B. Young women considered society's cast-offs The description explicitly states that the book deals with 'young women who are considered society's Leftovers,' using the term metaphorically to describe those who are forgotten, abandoned, or marginalized.
Question 10
What is the narrative structure suggested by the description for understanding Blair and Ardith's actions?
- A linear timeline from childhood to adulthood
- A series of flashbacks explaining their motivations
- An external observer's report on the events
- A fictional diary written by the girls
Show answer
B. A series of flashbacks explaining their motivations The description says 'first you'll have to understand why' and 'you'll have to listen as they describe...', implying that the story unfolds through their retrospective accounts or flashbacks to reveal the buildup to their act.
Leftovers FAQ
What is 'Leftovers' by Laura Wiess about?
'Leftovers' follows best friends Blair and Ardith, two teenage girls who commit an extreme act of revenge after enduring systemic neglect and abuse. The novel explores their traumatic experiences with absent or smothering parents, bullying classmates, predatory young men, and societal abandonment that drives them to desperate measures.
Why should I read 'Leftovers'?
This novel offers a raw, unflinching look at teenage desperation and the societal failures that push marginalized girls to extremes. It's a powerful exploration of trauma, justice, and female friendship that challenges readers to understand perspectives often dismissed as 'damaged goods'.
What is the background/setting of 'Leftovers'?
The story unfolds in contemporary suburban America, where Blair and Ardith navigate environments that should offer safety but instead provide neglect—from their homes with dysfunctional parents to schools with cruel classmates and communities that enable predatory behavior.
What are the most memorable quotes from 'Leftovers'?
While specific quotes aren't provided in the summary, key thematic lines would likely include Blair and Ardith's reflections on being 'written off as damaged goods' and descriptions of 'locking bedroom doors at night'—phrases that capture their isolation and vulnerability.
What writing style does Laura Wiess use in 'Leftovers'?
Wiess employs a confessional, first-person narrative style where Blair and Ardith directly address the reader, creating an intimate and urgent tone. The prose is raw and emotional, blending teenage vernacular with dark psychological insight.
What minor details add significant meaning to 'Leftovers'?
Details like Blair and Ardith locking their bedroom doors symbolize their constant need for protection in unsafe environments. The 'forbidden' person one girl trusts highlights how even potential support systems are restricted by controlling adults.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments in 'Leftovers'?
Early descriptions of parents being 'alternately absent and smothering' foreshadow the emotional whiplash that destabilizes the girls. Mentions of young men 'allowed to hurt without consequence' hint at the injustices that ultimately trigger their revenge.
What unexpected character connections exist in 'Leftovers'?
The summary suggests Blair and Ardith's bond becomes their primary refuge, but also indicates one girl has a 'forbidden' connection to someone else—creating a triangle of trust that conflicts with parental control and social isolation.
What are Blair and Ardith's unspoken motivations?
Beyond their stated desire for justice, both girls likely seek recognition and agency in a world that treats them as invisible. Their extreme act may be an attempt to force society to acknowledge the pain it has systematically ignored.
What psychological complexities do Blair and Ardith exhibit?
They display trauma responses including hypervigilance (locking doors), attachment issues (from parental neglect), and moral ambiguity—justifying violence as necessary retribution while grappling with their own humanity.
What are the major emotional turning points in 'Leftovers'?
Key turning points include moments when adults definitively fail them, when bullying escalates beyond endurance, when they realize their forbidden alliance is their only support, and ultimately when they decide revenge is their only option.
How do Blair and Ardith's relationship dynamics evolve?
Their friendship transforms from typical teenage bonding into a survival pact, becoming increasingly codependent and secretive as external threats mount. They evolve from confidantes to co-conspirators in their desperate act.
Which parts of 'Leftovers' remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The exact nature of their 'unforgivable act' is deliberately vague in the summary, leaving readers to imagine its severity. The fate of the girls afterward and whether their actions bring catharsis or deeper ruin remains unresolved.
What are controversial scenes or decisions in 'Leftovers'?
The girls' decision to commit violent revenge will spark debate about justifiable retaliation versus moral boundaries. Scenes depicting parental neglect and institutional failure may challenge readers' assumptions about childhood protection systems.
'Leftovers' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
While the summary doesn't specify the ending, it suggests the story concludes with Blair and Ardith having committed their act and now explaining their motives. The ending likely questions whether their violence achieved justice or merely perpetuated the cycle of trauma they sought to escape.
How does 'Leftovers' connect to Wiess's previous novel 'Such a Pretty Girl'?
Both books explore teenage girls surviving trauma in hostile environments, with 'Leftovers' continuing Wiess's focus on societal abandonment. They share thematic concerns about justice, female resilience, and the extreme measures marginalized youth might take.
What societal critiques does 'Leftovers' present?
The novel critiques how society 'forgets and abandons' vulnerable teenagers, particularly girls, through parental neglect, educational systems that tolerate bullying, and communities that enable predatory behavior without accountability.
About the author
Laura Wiess is an author known for her works of fiction, including "Leftovers" and "How It Ends." Her writing often explores complex themes and emotional experiences, resonating with readers through relatable characters and situations.
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